Prep Tennis: Freeport No. 1 doubles team has shot at state

Wednesday

Oct 16, 2013 at 6:24 PMOct 16, 2013 at 6:24 PM

By Joey BaskervilleThe Journal-Standard

FREEPORT — Freeport's No. 1 double team of Erica Hasken and Abby Jungles finished fifth last week in the NIC-10 tournament. But that didn't speak to how even the No. 1 doubles field will be this weekend at the Harlem Sectional, which features eight teams from the NIC-10.

Freeport coach Rick Eiler believes Hasken and Jungles can make a legitimate push to finish in the top four at sectionals Friday and Saturday and earn a state trip.

"It's doable," Eiler said. "It's very doable.

"I thought starting out against Hononegah, our two girls were stronger, but things turned and we couldn't get the momentum back."

Auburn's No. 1 doubles team of Anna Kney and Meghan Mediratta won conference after beating Guilford's Linnea and Lilly Endsley. The Knights are expected to split their doubles team at the sectional, which opens the door for teams like Freeport, Guilford, Boylan and Hononegah.

This weekend's tournament will be the last opportunity for the Pretzels duo to reach the state tournament after coming close last year.

"We were a match away from state," Hasken said. "This year we hope to make it to there.

"That would be awesome."

"We've heard it's really hard," Jungles said.

"Super hard," Hasken said.

No. 2 singles player Andrea Crase also finished fifth in the NIC-10 Tournament. Eiler has seen improvement in her game and a willingness to get better after the year is over.

"Andrea Crase will get good exposure," Eiler said. "She's just a 10th grader and I know she's showing interest in doing work out of season.

"Nowadays, in any sport, if you want to be very competitive, you've got to do a lot of work out of season. From what I've heard, she has the desire. She's still developing physically and she's pretty tough mentally because she keeps hanging in there in matches that go three sets."

No. 1 singles player Jackie Luecke will also play in the sectional.

"It's tough to play No. 1 singles and I think she's had a really good attitude," Eiler said. "She has worked hard at it this year.

"I think this is a good thing for her to see her compete there and I think it will provide good memories for her as a senior."

Along with eight NIC-10 teams — everyone except Belvidere and Belvidere North — Rockford Keith and Lutheran will also be in the Harlem Sectional.

Singles and doubles competitors will advance to the state tournament in Buffalo Grove.

"We're hoping to look forward to the experience if we can make it there," Jungles said. "We've been working hard this season."